Yes, this is why I pay them ~$13 for "basic" TV service, which currently brings in local channels in HD accessible via a QAM tuner equipped TV. However, they've told us that soon they'll encrypt even local channels such that everyone will need to use a cable box (or possibly cable card will also work?) to watch.  The extra $3 is worth it for something vs paying $10 for "nothing".

Bottom line, it's a monopoly. DSL is not a real competitive threat, FiOS rollout is dead, AT&T offers home broadband via an LTE mobile access point but requires you to pay through the nose for a capped data plan (just like with a smartphone). I hear Verizon is focusing now on home broadband via LTE as well. I'm sure these won't be cheap but perhaps over time it will be competitive to Charter and push prices lower.

-BR